Public Works are the unsung heroes of the Town of Sahuarita: they maintain the roads so they are safe and free from debris; ensure traffic signals and streetlights are properly functioning; perform fleet maintenance services; and more. The Public Works department has been around for as long as the Town of Sahuarita. Unsurprisingly, the Town has attracted many residents causing the population to increase by 1900% since 1994. Public Works has grown with the Town but lacks a designated building for its staff. If voters approve the bond package in November, Proposition 403, that will change for the department.

The Public Works staff currently shares a space with the Wastewater Operations team on Rancho Sahuarita Boulevard and Pima Mine Road. Public Works equipment and materials are also stored at the wastewater facility.

The new Public Works Maintenance Building is expected to be constructed on Twin Buttes Road, West of La Cañada Drive. The 2,900-square-foot office/administrative space with its 1,500-square-foot two-bay garage facility is anticipated to facilitate department efficiency and provide storage for equipment and materials.

Public Works’ fleet maintenance division began for in-house vehicles 14 months ago to lower maintenance costs so more funds could be allocated to road/pavement improvements. They maintain approximately 40 vehicles and repair around 17 vehicles for Parks and Recreation which plans to fully incorporate into fleet maintenance in the future. 

Without a garage at the wastewater facility, staff are performing vehicle maintenance outdoors using a lift, shaded structure, and fans to help cool them down in Arizona’s hot weather. The new facility would allow staff to work in climate-controlled spaces during the warm and cold months.

“The garage will be very nice to have the space to get underneath vehicles. It will be an upgrade to what we have right now,” commented Galo Galovale, Sahuarita Public Works Director.

Additionally, the new building would include a solar array to generate power which would result in thousands of dollars in utility bill reductions for the department according to a Solon analysis.

There are seven total projects included in Proposition 403 that aim to enhance community safety and improve quality of life through parks and recreation, police/public safety, and infrastructure improvements.

To learn more about the Public Works Maintenance Building project and the rest of the bond package, visit sahuaritabonds2024.info.